Public asked to feedback on improvement proposals for the market

The next stage of the Kirkgate Market project is now live and members of the public are being asked to give their opinions on twelve possible improvements that could contribute to shaping the future of the market.

Earlier this year the council, together with property, design and management consultants, the NPS Group, asked a wide range of people and organisations for their views on how the council should invest money and resources to improve Kirkgate Market.

These views have now been considered and the NPS Group has identified twelve key ‘elements’ that could improve the market and contribute towards the council’s vision for Kirkgate Market to be the best market in the UK.

The twelve elements are:

- Fixing the basics

- Replacing the roof of the 1976 and 1981 halls

- Heating and cooling

- Finding your way around

- Creating zones

- Creating a heart

- Creating a new route through the market

- Layout

- Improving the look and feel of the market

- Reducing the size

- Improving George Street

- Improving public external spaces

Each element could either be delivered independently or in a number of phases, depending on how much funding is available and what the priorities are agreed to be after the feedback process is completed.

As part of this next stage of work Leeds City Council will also be presenting the various management options we are looking into and asking for views.

Leeds City Council now want people to help by letting us know what they think the priorities are for the market. We will then look at this together with a business case to decide which improvements provide best value for money and in what order the work should be carried out.

There are a number of ways people can feed back to the council, including visiting the www.leedsmarkets.co.uk/strategy website, going to the market itself (Unit 8 in the 1976 Hall) and filling in a form at the stall or picking up a form from a one stop centre or library across the city centre. All forms must be returned by Friday 14 December. There will also be the opportunity to attend a public meeting in November, with more details being released closer to the time.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council executive board member with responsibility for development and the economy said:

“Kirkgate market is an important part of the city’s retail offer and one which we know people are passionate about.

“We have taken what people said in the engagement process earlier in the year and fed this into the 12 elements that are now being presented.

“Some changes are needed to make sure the market buildings are up to date and will last many more years, but the main purpose of any changes is to make the market a welcoming and attractive place to work, shop, visit and spend time in.

“In the short term, the council cannot afford to resolve all of these issues in one go therefore it is important that we know which issues people feel are the most important to tackle first.

“This next stage is really important and public feedback will help shape the report that is presented to executive board in 2013, so I would encourage anyone with an interest in the market to let us know their views.”

Notes to editors:

All the information is available to look at online at www.leedsmarkets.co.uk/strategy or print outs are available at the market and in one stop centres and libraries across the city for reference.